Top 3 Places to go in the Lehigh Valley

After finishing a run at the Allentown Fair, the Pennsylvania Civil War 150 Roadshow will be in south Bethlehem Sept. 7-9.

The traveling exhibit in a 53-foot tractor-trailer features images, sounds, and memorabilia from the Civil War – all in the context of Pennsylvania.

Historic Bethlehem is adding a Northampton perspective. The 153rd PA reenactors will set up a military encampment along with the 3rd US Colored Troops reenactors. There will be Civil War-era music by the Kent Courtney band; performances, including a Mary Todd Lincoln skit on Saturday and Sunday; speakers; picnic food and commemorative mechandise.

Children's crafts and stories will be offered by the Bethlehem Area Public Library. Kids can make Union or Confederate soldier hats and a quilt block, used to show the direction north to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

The exhibit is across the street from the Fowler Family Southside Center at Northampton Community College, 511 E. Third St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 7 and 9 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 8. Admission is free.

More info: 610-691-6055, http://www.historicbethlehem.org.

ALLENTOWN RESTAURANT WEEK

City restaurants are strutting their culinary stuff in its Fall Restaurant Week Sept. 8-16.

Reservations are recommended. More information and links to menus are at http://www.hamiltondistrictmainstreet.com.

Parking is free after 5 p.m. at the Spiral Deck at Eighth and Linden streets and street parking is free after 6 p.m.

FOOD FESTS

Vegetables are front and center at Bethlehem's 2nd annual VegFest Sept. 8 in south Bethlehem, while the chile pepper is celebrated at the Chile Pepper Food Festival in the Berks County town of Bowers Sept. 7-8.

The Chile Pepper fest serves up fiery sauces and hot-hot-hot dishes. Join in the jalapeno eating contest. Or pick your own at Chile Pepper and Heirloom Vegetable Field Days at nearby Meadow View Farm. The fest runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. More info: http://www.pepperfestival.com.